Indonesian Government Revisits Islamic Solidarity Games Decision

The Indonesian government’s plan "to host the Islamic Solidarity Games in Jakarta is now in doubt after it opted to revisit an earlier decision to move the event to the capital from Pekanbaru in Riau," according to the JAKARTA GLOBE. Less than a month ago, the Youth & Sports Ministry "announced plans to move the games to Jakarta due to Riau’s lack of preparation." But a ministerial visit to Pekanbaru prompted consideration of a plan to return the Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 global sporting event to the Sumatran city. People’s Welfare Coordinating Minister Agung Laksono and Youth & Sports Minister Roy Suryo "surveyed the preparations in Riau." They inspected several venues, including the troubled Riau main stadium, where the games were to take place. Riau Governor Rusli Zainal, who also serves as chairman of the Games’ local organizing committee, said that "the main stadium was no longer a major obstacle." Rusli’s explanation convinced Agung that Pekanbaru "was still capable of hosting the games." Agung said, "From what I understand, there is no major problem on the venues’ preparation. They just need a few renovations, but it depends on the youth and sports minister" (JAKARTA GLOBE, 5/14).